Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer and not to me… sigh.I also don't own Sleeping with the Enemy. The book belongs to Nancy Price and the movie belongs to Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation.
Sleeping with a Monster
Previously…
"There's just so many people, so many faces. I worry that we will get separated and I'll lose you." Edward rubbed his hand over his face revealing just how weary he was.
"Let's go. I want to see you in a tux and besides, don't you want to see my new dress?" Edward sighed in defeat and shook his head.
"Okay, but do not leave my side for one minute. Understand?" His eyes burned with a fierceness that made me realize just how stressed he really was and I immediately felt guilty for pressing the issue.
"Okay," I mumbled just we drifted off to sleep again.
Chapter 31 – Dream of the Witches' Sabbath
Edward's POV
I checked my watch, pushing the ice around in my drink with my straw while I waited for Jasper to meet me for lunch. The background check on Larry Redding was done and had been for several days. But in light of Bella's constant nightmares, I asked Jasper not to say anything about it to Bella unless she brought it up, not wanting to add to her stress levels. I also asked Jasper to do an in-depth look into James as well.
A week of Bella's nighttime manifestations was beginning to take its toll. I suspected the dreams continued on the nights we were apart, but she didn't let on that they were. It really drove home how much James still had a hold on her. She could pretend she had moved on all she wanted, but the fear was still there. It told me James was still a factor in her life, whether she would admit it or not.
I knew Bella did not love James and I would never suggest such a thing, but abuse has a lasting effect on a person. Because of it, Bella's reactions to certain situations, her emotional responses, her self-image and self-worth, as well as her psyche were most likely effected because of her time with him.
On the surface, she seemed fine and she did a good job covering. Even after finding out about the private investigator, she seemed so calm and collected. However, her subconscious fears were surfacing in the form of nightmares. Her conscious mind seemed to be in denial of the turmoil boiling under the surface. I found myself wondering how long it would last before her nightmares no longer provided the necessary outlet and it escalated into something more serious. I didn't want to wait for that to happen, not knowing what her coping mechanism would be. So, this morning I decided it was time to say something…
"Bella?" I put my hands on her shoulders and looked her squarely in the eyes. Her answering smile faded when she saw my serious countenance.
"What is it?" Bella put the last dish in the dishwasher before kicking the door of the appliance closed with her foot.
"I want to talk to you about something, but I'm not sure how you will react," I said, leading her over to the couch.
She looked at me for a minute before she responded, "What's wrong?" We sank down onto the sofa before I took her hand. I studied our entwined fingers for a moment before I continued.
"I wondered if you would consider talking to someone about your, um… 'experiences' with James?" I met her eyes and saw brief confusion before recognition dawned on her beautiful face.
"What, you mean – like therapy?" My angel's voice was quiet and hesitant.
"Yes. I think it could help you deal with your fears and work through some of the effects of the abuse." I held my breath, a little uncertain of how she would take my suggestion. I didn't want to make her feel like she was broken, or there was something inherently wrong with her. I just wanted her to be able to work through the things James had done to her so she could start to heal.
When we would talk about her marriage to James, Bella would edit her experiences, not telling me the whole story and leaving out certain aspects of her marriage. I had a feeling she wanted to protect me from some of the real horrors of the abuse. Being in the medical profession and having seen my fair share of domestic violence cases in the ER, I knew that physical abuse often transcended into the bedroom as well.
"Why do you think I need therapy? I don't need to talk to someone; I just need to be freed from him." Bella's protests were not surprising and her eyes flashed with defiance. She tended to internalize everything trying to work through it on her own.
"Love. There are some things that are better handled by a professional who can help you work through things." My heart broke a little as I saw tears start to well up in her eyes. Her betrayed look told me she was taking my suggestion wrong.
"Bella," I started, but when she started to say something, I stopped to let her speak. Unfortunately, she changed her mind and quickly closed her mouth before she looked down. I lifted her chin to look at her, but she refused to meet my eyes. Her face was flushed and she looked so defeated I pulled her onto my lap and buried my face in her hair.
"Bella, please talk to me," I almost begged. "I know there are things that happened in your marriage you are not comfortable talking about. Sometimes it helps to unload those burdens on someone else who can help you cope with the negative aspects of those experiences." Her answering sob told me she wasn't hearing me.
"You think there's something wrong with me?" She choked out that question, telling me just how much I blundered my delivery. I was too blunt instead of easing into the subject.
"No! There's nothing wrong with you. You did nothing to deserve what happened to you. You are not damaged or used or worthless. Do you understand? When I look at you, I see a beautiful, intelligent woman of worth. You are the one I love with all my heart, who also happens to be incredibly courageous and amazing." As I watched Bella process my statements, I found myself feeling grateful to Rose for giving some insight into the mind and self-image of abused woman.
"Then why?" She looked up searching my face for something. I found myself praying she found what she was looking for in my eyes.
I stroked her cheek, giving her a gentle smile. "So you can truly be free of James. Right now, you are still carrying around the burden of his sins upon you. I just want you to be able to leave those burdens behind you so you can move forward." She furrowed her brown as she thought about my words and I was grateful I had not completely screwed up.
She let out a small sigh before she said, "I'll… think about it. Okay?" She gave me a watery smile.
"Okay." I returned her smile before I gently kissed her…
"Hey!" I felt a hand nudge my shoulder as Jasper's voice sounded in my ear, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Hey, Jasper." I returned his greeting, glancing at my watch, hoping my remaining lunch hour was long enough to cover the information from the background checks. He tossed two manila envelopes on the seat next to himself as he slid into the booth opposite of me.
"Have you ordered yet?" Jasper opened his menu, scanning it quickly before he closed it again.
"Just a drink." I motioned for our server to come and take our orders. After our food was ordered and the server stepped away, I turned to Jasper.
"So, what did you find out?" I watched Jasper's face as he pulled the information out of one of the manila envelopes. He gave nothing away until he looked up and I saw his wary expression.
"It's not good. James Cook is one bad guy." Jasper shook his head, his face apologetic.
"Tell me, how bad is it?" I tried to steel myself against whatever it was Jasper had found.
"He's had several women in his life before, during and after his marriage to Bella, although she is the only woman he's ever married from what I can tell." I felt my anger boil at hearing the news that James had not been faithful to Bella. It reiterated, once again, how little he respected and valued her as his wife. It was hard to imagine anyone cheating on her; of course, it was even harder imagining anyone wanting to hurt her in the ways James had.
"Where are these women now?" I closed my eyes getting my anger under control.
"That's just it. Most of them have gone missing." My eyes flew open and I stared at Jasper for a moment while the gravity of his statement hit.
"What do you mean missing?" I looked at the papers Jasper removed from the envelope.
"Most of them are missing now. After they broke up, maybe a couple of weeks later, his ex-girlfriends would disappear." Jasper handed me the small stack of documents.
"Has anything been done?" I scanned the documents, looking for any small detail that might help.
"He's pretty slick. Each time he lived in a different city and state. He would start a relationship, similar to how he courted Bella and then they'd move in together. After several months, James would transfer out of state and they would break up. But, the disconcerting thing was, after he left, these women would disappear a few weeks later. The police would investigate the disappearance, but there was never enough evidence to pin anything on him. He always had a solid alibi and there were never any complaints or charges of abuse filed. He's done this several times, never living in the same place twice so a pattern was never really established."
As Jasper continued to outline the details of his investigation into James, I came across a picture of Bella and James. She looked like Bella and yet she didn't. She was beautiful, as always, but her hair was shorter and straight. She was almost waifishly thin, too thin, and although she was smiling in the picture, it was forced. Her eyes were dead and held none of the happiness her face pretended to feel.
I studied James's appearance, making sure I had it memorized. I did not want to risk not recognizing him if he should make an appearance. He dwarfed Bella next to him in the photograph and I found myself wondering how she ever made it through his countless physical assaults without ending up in the hospital.
I couldn't just sit back and wait for this lowlife to make his move. I had a feeling he would try to get her back, but what if he decided to take swift revenge instead and just kill her outright. Gambling with Bella's life was not something I was willing to do.
"…was lucky to make it as long as she did." Jasper's voice startled me out of my thoughts. Shit! What had I missed?
"What?" I tried to concentrate of what Jasper was saying.
"I said, I think she was lucky to make it as long as she did. No one else made it past eight months before they would disappear. The only exception is an unnamed woman, but she's never moved in with or married him. She's been the one constant throughout the years. It's unclear if she is his accomplice."
"Bella was pretty anxious to get out when she did. She was almost desperate in her refusal to wait until she was stronger when Carlisle suggested it." I said numbly.
"Well, if you ask me, she's one intuitive woman. She read James pretty well and kept keep him at bay for over a year."
"That was keeping him at bay? You have got be kidding me! She was beaten half to death!" Jasper's statement stripped away the numb feeling as I tried to keep my voice under control with little success. Jasper flashed me a warning look.
"She's alive, which is more than I can say for his past girlfriends. I really think James had a hand in their disappearances." Jasper wouldn't come out and say it, but we both knew what he was trying to say – James killed those women.
I groaned as I dropped my head back to rest on the wall behind the booth; my head made a low thumping sound as I lightly pounded it against the wall in frustration. "What the hell am I supposed to do? Just wait for him to show up and hurt her?"
"No. We'll make sure she's safe and do whatever we can to protect her. Until she decides to leave, there's really nothing else you can do," Jasper replied. "How's the contingency plan coming?"
"It's done. Here's a copy," I said as I slipped him the necessary information in case Bella had to run. She tried to convince me to let this plan be just for her, but I told her, if she ran, we both ran. There was no way I would let her run without help. Living my life without her was not an option.
Jasper perused the information and nodded his head. "This looks good," he said before he gave me a serious look. "You realize James is not going to walk away from Bella without making a play to get her back. If she doesn't come back willingly, he will try to force her. I've seen the type before. He doesn't believe there's anything wrong with his relationship with her. In fact, in his sick and twisted mind he probably believes she still loves him."
"I know." I pinched the bridge of my nose, feeling my nerves stretched taut like a piano wire. I hated the waiting, feeling like there was a sword over our heads, not knowing when or if he would strike.
"Has she filed for the divorce and the order of protection?" Jasper pressed.
I grumbled in frustration remembering the argument I had lost with her. "She files on Monday."
"Edward, I know you probably think it's a bad idea, but think of it from a legal standpoint and from James's point of view. By filing those documents, she has essentially declared that she is alive and has given herself a modicum of security. If James has any designs to kill her, it will be harder to do so because she just can't disappear this time like his other girlfriends. She has revealed who she is, thus making him our number one suspect. Otherwise, she's just Bella Thomas – a woman with no ties to James Cook." I had not really thought of it that way, and I had to admit Jasper had a point. Still, it did not make me feel any better.
Jasper and I continued to talk as we finished our meal. Afterwards I thanked him for his help and returned to work with a distracted feeling. This waiting game with James was excruciating. To top it off, what I learned about the private investigator was disconcerting as well.
Larry Redding was ex-military with an impressive success rate for finding his targets. His methods skirted the law, but he always managed to keep out of any real trouble. There have been some high profile cases in the past where the police suspected his involvement. Yet, somehow, he managed to keep his company clean. The biggest problem with Larry was his apparent lack of scruples. He would do just about anything to get the information he wanted, which meant that James almost certainly knew where Bella was by now.
That thought caused my gut to clench. I quickly flipped open my phone to check-up on my girl. I patiently waited for her to answer as I greeted on of my colleagues with a tight smile and a wave. Voicemail. Why wasn't she answering? I felt the need to take a deep breath. Who's she with today? Alice! I dialed hoping my rising panic was unjustified.
"Hello?" Alice's voice chimed her greeting.
"Alice. Is Bella there with your?" I keep my tone casual, hiding my fear.
"Missing her already? You are sooo whipped. You know that, right?" Alice teased and I felt some of the tension start to melt away.
"Yeah, something like that." I laughed, but it didn't sound natural. "May I speak to her?"
"She's taking a shower before I start to beautify her." Alice laughed.
"Where are you?" I remembered Bella complaining a little about Alice and her beautifying sessions.
"At your brother's house. We're all getting ready here, so when you are done with work, grab you stuff and come on over. We'll all leave here together." I shook my head upon hearing this. Sometimes functions such as these took on a high school prom aura when Alice was involved.
I chuckled, almost forgetting my earlier apprehension, but not quite. "Okay, but please have her call me when she gets done with her shower." I was eternally grateful to everyone trying to keep my angel safe.
Bella called me back about 20 minutes later and assured me that everything was fine. Apparently, my attempt to act casual had failed. The rest of the afternoon trudged along so slowly I thought I would go mad. However, the end of my shift finally came and I was able to make a quick exit. I drove home, grabbed my stuff and made my way to Emmett's home.
As I approached the front of the house, I could feel the bass from the music thumping before I even opened the door. "Hey, Eddie!" Emmett's voice boomed over the music as he attempted to dance his version of a booty shake. I immediately erupted into loud laughter at the sight and he grinned at me. I set my things on the back of the couch.
I shook my head at him, giving him a huge smile. "What the hell?" I shouted as I held my hands out to him, palms up giving him the 'bring it on' gesture. However, when he started to hop forward and pretend to spank his own butt, I gave up, walked over to the refrigerator, and grabbed a cold beer. My big brother really had a way of making me laugh and easing my tension.
I twisted off the cap and took a long pull from the bottle. It was still a little early and we didn't need to leave for another hour. I leaned up against the center island in the kitchen, watching Emmett 'perfect' his dance moves when Jasper's laughter rang out with the music. He slapped me on the back before he grabbed a beer, laughing the entire way.
"How long has he been at it?" Jasper grimaced at Emmett's attempt to do a booty drop.
I shrugged, shaking my head. "He was already dancing full swing when I got here ten minutes ago."
"Let's hope he gets it all out of his system before the fund raiser later or we may not be able to claim his as one of our own." Jasper shuddered lightly.
"Who says I'll claim him at all?" I laughed, shaking my head. After watching for another minute or two, I turned to Jasper. "I'm going to find Bella." I tilted my head in the direction of the stairs before I walked off, Jasper nodding in agreement. As I neared the top of the stairs, I could hear the faint sound of laughter coming from the master bedroom. I knocked lightly before I poked my head in the room.
"Is everyone decent?" I did not want to embarrass anyone, including myself.
"God, I hope not!" Rose sassed back from the bathroom. I could hear Bella's soft laughter.
"In here," Alice called. I crossed the room quickly and entered the massive master bathroom, anxious to see Bella. I was greeted to the sight of Rose and Alice clad in robes, hair in hot rollers, while they attacked Bella's hair with various wands and sprays. Bella wore a pink fluffy robe, had cotton balls between her toes, and looked as if she were in pain.
"Have you come to save me?" Bella's eyes pleaded with me as her pink lips pulled into a little pout.
"Don't' even think it!" Alice jumped up and started to push me out of the room.
"Alice!" I growled in frustration. "I just wanted to see Bella for a minute. Do you mind not attacking me? It's not like you haven't been with her all day."
She narrowed her eyes at me. "One minute." She pointed a finger at me as if to say… 'I'm watching you.' I rolled my eyes dramatically as she walked out of the bathroom followed by Rose.
"Don't touch anything," Rose said as she walked by. The divas were out tonight. I beamed at Bella just happy to be with her again, knowing she was safe. As I pulled her into my arms, Rose shouted, "That includes Bella!"
"Oh, be quiet, Rose," Bella shot back hugging me close. "How was your day?" She looked up and smiled.
"Excruciating, boring, much too long to be without you…" I wrestled whether to tell Bella about my lunch with Jasper. I didn't want to ruin the evening, so I told myself I would do it tomorrow. "How was yours? Did you miss me?" I gave her a cheeky smile.
"Every minute you were gone." She smiled and I could not resist kissing her long and slow. Tonight would be ours. No James. No danger lurking in the shadows. No private investigators. No Tanya. No Hospital. Just Bella and Edward, together.
*******
Exquisite.
That was the only word I found that described how Bella looked tonight. I looked into her smiling upturned face as I held her against my body, twirling her around the dance floor. I felt like I was seeing the sunrise for the first time. She owned me, and she didn't even know it.
Her deep purple floor length dress was magnificent against her pale skin. It had a plunging neckline with silver beading settling just under her breasts before it continued to wrap around her body. The same beading continued in the straps on her shoulders, coming to a vee in the back between her shoulder blades. A strip of the same purple material of the dress stretched up from her waist to loop through the beaded straps. Other than that detail, her back was smooth and bare down to her waist. Bella's hair swept away from her face and spilled down her back in soft loose curls. Simply stunning.
"Have I told you how beautiful you are?" I reached up and caressed her cheek.
Bella smiled at me before she said, "Yes, but don't let that stop you." She reached up on her toes and kissed me. I wrapped my fingers around the back of her neck and deepened the kiss as she melted into me.
"Hey you two, break it up." The humor in Ben's voice was blatant as he and Angela danced next to us.
"Hi guys!" Bella smiled and rested her head on my shoulder as she watched our friends dancing next to us.
"Wow, Bella. You look great!" Angela gushed as she pulled Bella away from me to get a better look; I kept a firm hold of her hand.
"So do you, Angela," Bella returned with a smile.
As they continued to talk, Ben leaned over and whispered, "Hey, just a heads up. Tanya's on the prowl and she's had a little too much to drink tonight." He tilted his head over to the bar and I caught a glimpse of her, nursing a drink.
"Thanks for the warning, man." I gently pulled Bella back into my arms as Ben and Angela started to dance away.
"Are you having a good time?"
"Yes. I'm in the arms of the man I love, dancing at a ball, in a beautiful dress…" She bit her bottom lip and her eyes glazed over a bit as I gently caressed her bare back.
I smirked a bit before I said, "Bella… Bella, what were you saying?"
She shook her head before she replied, "Hm. You're doing it again."
"Doing what?" I feigned innocence.
"You know perfectly well, Mr. Dazzle Me." She laughed at my expression.
I threw my head back and laughed softly. She was perfect. "May I use my powers to dazzle you later tonight?"
"Why, Edward. What are you suggesting?" She gave me a sexy little smile that I could not resist.
I lowered my head and trailed kisses along her jaw. "I guess you'll just have to wait and see." She sighed, sounding content and happy.
When the song ended, we made our way over to the table we shared with Rose, Emmett, Alice and Jasper. I pulled out Bella's chair for her to sit. She sank down with a relieved 'aw' and I raised an eyebrow at her.
She held up her foot encased in a beaded heel and said, "Just giving these puppies a rest."
"And I appreciate your efforts, love." I drew lazy circles on her upper arm as I sat down next to her. "Can I get you something to drink?" I glanced over at the bar to make sure Tanya had moved.
"Sure. I'll come with you." I opened my mouth to suggest she stay seated, when she interrupted. "I'm not leaving your side. Remember?" She lightly teased. She had me.
We walked over to the bar hand-in-hand, found an open spot and ordered our drinks. While we waited, I situation Bella in front of me with her back pressed up against my chest and wrapped my arms around her. She smelled so good. I caught a glimpse of silver sequins as Jasper and Alice danced by.
"Edward!" I felt Bella stiffen in my arms and by the time I realized who it was, it was too late.
I swallowed my distaste before mustering my most indifferent tone. "Tanya." Bella and I didn't move out of our embrace. Over Tanya's shoulder, I could see Rose and Emmett making their way over to us. This was not going to turn out well.
"Edward, come dance with me." Tanya glared at Bella trying to make a grab for my hand on Bella's waist. However, she jerked back when Rose's hand landed on her shoulder.
"No thank-you." I tightened my hold on Bella who leaned further into me. Tanya narrowed her eyes as a flash of anger danced across her face.
"Wait, Tanya." Rose tried to pull her away, but Tanya shook her off, ignoring her completely.
She glared at Bella and me for a few seconds. Suddenly her expression changed to one of playful innocence. "Come on. One little dance. What's the harm in that?"
"No, Tanya," I said firmly but I could clearly see she was not about to give-up. "Look, I've tried to be nice, but it isn't working. I'm not inter –"
"Oh please. We both know you're interested. I've seen the way you look at me. And, don't you dare deny it. What I can't seem to figure out is what you're doing with her." The distain in Tanya's voice was clear as she motioned towards to Bella. "I just don't see it; there's nothing special here. I mean, look at her; she's not even pretty. Your little slut must really put out."
Bella and I both inhaled at the same time and I felt her body tense next to mine. That was it. How dare she insult my Bella that way. "Tanya. Go to hell!"
But before I could say anything more I saw Bella's hand come in contact with Tanya's cheek as a loud 'slap' sounded briefly over the music. Tanya staggered backwards holding her cheek utterly shocked.
"Nobody talks to me that way," Bella growled.
"If you ever talk to her that way…" I started but stopped as Tanya lunged at Bella with a murderous glare and I pulled Bella out of the way.
"Eeeerrch! Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!" Tanya's screeching caused people to stare. Rose held Tanya back by her hair as Emmett tried to rein in Rose.
"Rose! What the f–" Tanya spat out as she strained to look at Rose.
"Shut it, Tanya." Rose spat back as she released her hold on Tanya's hair. "Don't you talk to Bella like that ever again. In fact, don't ever speak to her again, period. And stay away from Edward."
"What? I can't believe you're defending her after all the things you said about her!" Tanya's words were a reminder of Rose's former dislike for Bella.
Tanya offered Bella and me chagrinned look before she returned at Tanya. "Look, I was wrong about Bella. She's a real sweetheart and she's perfect for Edward. In fact, I admire her for her courage and forgiving nature."
"Oh please. You're just as bad as she is. Are you willing to lose our friendship over her?" Tanya's voice was dripping with disgust.
Rose looked at her friend with sadness in her eyes, but she did not hesitate to answer. "Yes."
"You're a pathetic excuse for a friend." With that, Tanya stormed off in a huff.
We stood there surrounded by a tense silence as we watched Tanya's retreat. Bella looked up at me and gave me a tentative smile. I glanced back to Rose to see her looking after her former friend with rueful expression.
"Rose," I started to say, but she held up her hand.
"Don't say it. I should have done that a long time ago." Rose almost sounded relieved.
"But Rose, you've been friends with her for a long time." Bella surprised me with her statement.
Rose shrugged while Emmett wrapped an arm around her shoulders and whispered something in her ear that caused her face to warm with a smile. "You're right. We have been friends for a long time, but some friendships evolve into something that is no longer healthy. That's what happened to ours." I thought about that for a moment until Emmett broke the silence.
"Damn, Bella. Remind me to never insult you," Emmett teased Bella, causing her to blush. "Hey how's your right hook, 'cause I could really use you on fight night." He made a fake move to punch her, which she deflected deftly with a punch of her own. She laughed softly and I kissed the top of her head.
Emmett nodded to something beside me and I turned to see our drinks on the bar next to me. "I think your drinks are up. We'll meet you back at the table."
"Thanks, Rose." Bella placed her hand on Rose's arm as we passed and Rose nodded giving her a small smile.
*********
I marveled at how well Bella fit in with my friends, my family, and my life. Watching her as she walked with Alice as thy skirted the edge of the dance floor, I noticed how happy and carefree she looked – certainly not the image of a woman who was in danger and under immense stress and pressure.
"What are you smiling about?" Rose followed my gaze and she let out a knowing chuckle. "You're almost as bad as your brother, you know that."
I turned to her and gave her a wry grimace. "I have no idea what you're talking about." But, I knew. Here it comes.
"You are so p-whipped." Rose gave me a smug smile, but then her eyes softened. "I really do like her; she's good for you."
"Thanks, Rose." I was vaguely aware of the change in music from upbeat to some creepy classical Halloween themed music that seemed familiar in an odd way.
"And…" She paused for a moment before she reached across the table and put her hand on top of mine. "I'm sorry for the way I treated her."
"I know, Rose. I know." I gave her hand a squeeze. "Thanks."
I looked back over at Bella, but she was no longer there. I scanned the area quickly, feeling the hair on the back of my neck rise when I didn't find her. The music's somber sound added to the growing dread that started to build in my chest.
"Rose? Do you see Bella and Alice anywhere?" I tried to sound nonchalant, but Rose knew me too well. She quickly scanned the area and shook her head.
"They were just here." Rose sat up straighter as she tried to catch a glimpse of them. "Maybe they went to the restroom. I'll go check." Rose got up and started to walk away when Alice hurried across the dance floor, pushing her way through the dancing couples.
As Alice approached, I noticed that Bella was not with her. I jumped up and strode over to her, meeting her halfway. "Edward! It's Bella." Alice looked panicked.
I grabbed her shoulders. "Where is she? Is she alright?" All I could think of was… James has her! The horrible song blaring over the sound system only added to the ominous atmosphere.
"She's with Jasper, but she's upset. She keeps saying 'he's here, he's here.'" Alice looked around like we were being watched. "You don't think James is here, do you?" Alice whispered James's name as if she were afraid that by saying his name aloud he would suddenly materialize right there on the spot. I immediately felt my body flush with anger and adrenaline and I had to swallow a snarl that threatened to erupt.
"Alice, where is she?" I growled, the need to protect her was overwhelming, especially if that maniac was here. "We need to get her out of here." Alice pulled me back in the direction she had come from and into a little alcove off the main ballroom. There I found Bella, huddled into Jasper, eyes wild with fear and shaking like a leaf.
As soon as she saw me, she cried out, "Edward!" She rushed into my arms and started to cry. I crushed her slight frame against mine and held on for dear life.
"Sh. Love, it's okay. I'm here." I kissed her on the temple and rubbed her back and arms trying to calm her down. I looked up at Jasper and gave him a 'what in the hell happened' look, but he just shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, just as bewildered.
Bella pulled away for a moment and looked between Jasper and Alice. "Do me a favor and ask the DJ if someone requested this song?" Bella's voice was strangely calm, even though her body was still quivering; the look on her face is was startling. It was the same calm, forced look in that photograph of her with James. Even her beautiful expressive eyes had dulled a bit, beginning to take on that same dead look from the photo. No! I'm losing her! My mind screamed.
"What's the name of the song?" Jasper stepped forward.
Bella shuddered as she said, "Dream of the Witches' Sabbath from the Fifth Movement of "Symphonie Fantastique" by Hector Berlioz." Her voice sounded small and wooden as she rattled off that long title.
"We're on it." Alice grabbed Jasper's hand and rushed away.
"Bella? What's so important about this song?" I knew it had something to do with James, but what. She shook her head, refusing to tell me but I wouldn't let it drop. "Tell me, please. I have never seen you this scared before. Don't shut me out Bella. Please."
She looked back up at me, eyes full of apology and gave me a shaky smile. I watched as her expression melted back into the woman I adored. As she considered my question, she bit her lip as tears welled back up in her eyes. She took a deep breath before she said, "It's his favorite song – the song he played when he wanted…" She took another deep breath before she finished, "sex." She looked down and I knew that she did not want to share this part of her marriage.
A/N: Dun, dun, dun! LOL. Lots of drama in this chapter. Bella was quiet this chappie, which is why I had such a hard time getting this one started. I couldn't get her to say anything…
Also, be sure to visit my profile and go to my website if you want to see pics of Bella's dress.
To my fantabulous reviewers… You are the BEST! 49 reviews for the last chapter – my best ever! Woo Hoot! And I also have to apologize cuz, once again, life got in the way and I didn't get a chance to reply to those wonderful reviews. Please know that I do read each and every one of them and I appreciate ALL your comments. They keep me going. Here's the shout-out for feeding my addiction!
Elina H, jadesabre75, Krissy7, twilightsun01, twilightobession, tigermoonlight67, laceyndom, MiLitAdeBloOm, SarcasticProcrastinator-AMLF, goldeneyedfanpire, bitemeplease 235, OfficialWhalesaver, Bennyjo4, Angels And Airwaves, ny88, E Evans, VanessaGirl123, ThisisMydisguise, orlibluver, tcarroll101, fantabulocity, julia cullen 12345, pEaCeLoVeEdWaRd1901, BritCat – Twilight Lover, Doctor Twilight, Megs520, SugarSweet21, cindysark, kirster226, jvanshuff, FRK921, Transfiguration, iloveedwardanthonymasencullen, musiclover101twilgiht411, Erin, itMUSTbeLOVE53, Tulips at Twilight, loveleen, skhdance11, sylah (twice), TheDay'sEye, Lizziginne, XBellaXXEdwardX, blackgem88 (Thanks for letting me bounce ideas off you, Girly!), MissMusicLover, piratepony, Bohemianfling84, dani7603
OK – really long Authors Note – sorry. But I wanted to let you know about my new C2 community I started with blackgem88 – 'Unsung Heroes: A Collection of Overlooked and Underread Stories.' It's a collection of good stories not getting the recognition they deserve – basically good stuff with under a 1,000 reviews. You can get to it from my profile. So if you know of a story you think should be added, PM me. The list isn't very long – yet. Haven't had a lot of time to read as of late. ;) Thanks! - SavageWoman